by Jaye Shields
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Later that evening, the main hall echoed with joyous music. The floor was full of swirling skirts and sweeping golden suits of the dancing townspeople awaiting the guests of honor. The High King sat on a throne of rich mahogany with blinding golden upholstery. He was wearing his crown, an intricate weaving of golden metals in an ancient Celtic design. His dark hair was tucked beneath his crown, framing a wise, handsome face. Immortally stuck in his late thirties, Breasal appeared the perfect age for a king, old enough to appear wise, but young enough to appear rough and ready to fight for a Kingdom. And now he sat with a look of pride and anticipation.
Walking down the aisle with Sabin, Tera almost felt for a moment as if she was getting married. Her dress was the finest cloth she had ever felt. The fabric wrapped against a fancy corset was a pale golden shade with intricate, vibrate gold stitching across the bodice. The skirt fell loosely to her own preference, and swayed elegantly as she walked toward the king in her golden shoes. Half of her long auburn hair hung in loose curls, the rest bundled atop her head held together by braids and fragrant yellow and white flowers.
Not far behind them, Sparrow walked the aisle with Rowen, while Morgana and Melissandra were accompanied by Zeth and Sodor. Michelle was escorted by Duncan, who even Tera had to admit, looked ravishing in his leather and gold outfit for the celebration. Sparing a glance at Sabin, her heart warmed. His handsome face seemed to glow with pride and her own body heated with a love buzz. Gazing ahead once more, Tera’s heart stopped as she saw the Goddess Artemis walk into the room and take a seat next to the King.
Her Goddess mother was dressed in an equally elegant fashion, but opted out of a corset. Instead, the Goddess wore only flowing, gauzy layers of golden fabric, her crown containing the same elegant up-do and fragrant flora. Artemis smiled at Tera’s approach with Sabin. She realized that never had she seen her Goddess mother smile so. Sabin squeezed her hand, then clutched it against his chest as he escorted her. He must have known that the Goddess’ presence had pleased her greatly. Tera’s chest swelled with so much happiness she thought that her rib-cage might break.
When the four women and their escorts arrived before the High King, the Knights stood back, and Breasal rose. “Today we are all gathered here in celebration to pay homage to five women who live much like the generations of old. These mortal women live with awe of the world, with a spunk and playfulness of one who never tires of the earth’s pleasures, and with courage to protect it. Despite their mortality, Agrotera, Dryad of the Muir Woods; Sparrow, Melissandra, and Morgana, Wiccans of Alameda, California; and Ixchel of the Mayans, took up their wits to battle the creatures of a darker nature. They battled immortals to secure peace within their own, fragile world, and today we pay homage to their hearts which radiate with goodness.”
The crowd roared in applause and High King Breasal continued. “Morgana. Please kneel.” Looking radiant in her perfectly fitted, golden dress and tamed golden locks, Morgana knelt curiously. The High King took his long sword from where it hung in a leather and gold woven belt. Placing it upon her shoulder, the King beamed. “For your bravery in battling those who cannot be killed, risking your mortal life for the good of your people, I Knight you Morgana. Now rise.”
Tera’s heart stopped as she watched the event unfold. They were being Knighted. She was awestruck and couldn’t believe that Sabin had kept such a thrilling secret. No wonder her mother looked so proud. When Morgana stood, the King reached toward an attendant who stood with a golden box. Tera could not make out what was inside, but watched the King.
“Morgana, your gift for this Knighthood, fitting of your level of bravery, is this Ring of Immortality.” A large band of Celtic gold knots was fitted by a large ruby stone. The king slipped the ring upon Morgana’s middle finger. “While you wear this ring, forged by my own hands, you will be immortal. Also, with this ring, you may always find your way here from the Realm of the Fog.”
Morgana held herself with pride, obviously trying to contain her awe. The crowd roared with excitement as the King turned next to Melissandra and began to give her the same noble treatment. As she watched her friends each receive their rewards, Tera was suddenly reminded of the implications of her own ring, which she imagined that she, too, would receive. She could spend forever with Sabin.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Breasal asked her to kneel, which she did, heart pounding with anticipation. But when she stood to receive the ring, Breasal called Sabin forward. “This ring was forged by my hand, but one of my finest Knights has requested to present the ring himself.” Then Breasal placed the intricate golden ring, which framed a brilliant emerald, within the Goddess Artemis’ palm.
Artemis looked on the scene with a calm happiness and walked toward Sabin. Releasing the ring to him, she nodded, as if a long stream of communication passed between them, unheard.
Sabin turned to Tera and placed his palm upon her cheek softly prior to kneeling before her. “Tera, you are the love of my immortal life. You are everything that makes the world beautiful. An immortal life is a long one, and I could imagine no happier eternity than spending it watching you smile.”
As Tera realized what was happening, a tear of happiness began to trail down her cheek. Then she heard the words that she never imagined would be for her.
“Agrotera, will you accept this ring of immortality, and be my love, my mate for eternity?”
She nodded and gasped with happiness, finally releasing a breath as she accepted the ring. She threw herself into his arms and welcomed the feeling of ecstasy that was bursting within her heart. She had eternity with her dream, and also, her friends.
The crowd cheered as the Knighting ceremony ended, and Tera was still buried in Sabin’s arms. Tera felt a soft, gentle palm upon her shoulder. Turning, she saw Artemis’s twinkling green eyes, and a wide smile, which was a very seldom occasion for the serious goddess.
“Agrotera, on this day I see that you are very happy, and that fills my immortal soul with a peace and happiness that I have not felt since the years that I was worshipped.” Artemis caressed her cheek in a rare display of affection.
“You are unique to me, Agrotera, from among my many children. Brave enough to battle immortals, but,” the Goddess paused before speaking once more with heightened admiration, “also, you are brave enough to love.” Artemis leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
Once again, lit by the fire of absolute happiness, Tera threw herself into the arms of her Goddess mother. Artemis seemed uncomfortable at first, not used to being embraced so, but then let herself melt against her adoring Dryad daughter.
They hugged a few moments, then feeling cheeky, Tera smiled as big as she could. “I hope my wedding gift is that you’ll visit more often.”
From nearby Sparrow chirped up enthusiastically. “Hey, can you bring Dionysus with you? Now that sounds like a good time.”
Artemis shook her head, but was clearly entertained at the girl’s request to hang with the God of wine and entertainment. Instead of answering either question, the Goddess looked to her right at the handsome King. “Come Breasal, let us recline together and enjoy the festivities.”
With that, the elaborate hall was a swirl with elegant fabrics, twirling in dance and celebration. Duncan pulled Michelle onto the floor and Sparrow and her aunts followed, escorted by the Knights of the Fog. Artemis sat on the throne beside Breasal, and they appeared to be in fervent conversation.
“I wonder what they are talking about. Usually she is a woman of few words.” Tera said.
“They are speaking on Eris’ punishment. She will remain in Tartarus for some time until her true punishment is decided.”
“In all this festivity I nearly forgot about her. Tartarus, that’s good right? Isn’t that worse than Hades?”
“Let us not speak of Hades and Tartarus. Today is only about our love.” He
pressed a kiss upon her palm as he led her to dance. “I love you so much, Tera.” Sabin and Tera made their way into the celebrating crowd. With her palm upon Sabin’s shoulder, it was hard not to stare at the ring that would change her life.
The only thing better than staring at the enchanted ring was gazing at the handsome man, the love of her life. His eyes glittered with a happiness that flooded Tera’s heart. In her home city, the secrets of the fog had delivered her the love of her life. Tonight was the first night of many lifetimes more, of eternal happiness, and excitement.
Epilogue
“It seems, my love, that I have been enlightened to the perfect spot.” Sabin carried Tera across the winding limestone. Home to the faeries, Heliodor was a massive plane of crystalline mineral mountains and dense forest. Here the fae, the faerie folk, drew power from the elements and enjoyed privacy from disbelievers. Now the romantic ambience would serve Tera and Sabin on their honeymoon.
“Oh really? Do you spend much time in the realm of the faeries?” One of the fae creatures hovering near her face tapped a tiny finger against her nose. The tiny faerie was such a bright light, Tera could hardly make out the body or face of the creature. Squinting against the brilliance, she finally focused on a porcelain-skinned faerie with eyes like crystal, and long hair the color of butter. The faerie smiled bashfully and pointed to Sabin before giving a coy thumbs-up signal.
Looking ahead to the distance, Sabin smiled, navigating his way carefully with her in his arms. “No. But I’ve received quite the fae tour guide service.” Taking a right around a large quartz boulder, he stopped dead in his tracks. Rock and limestone gave way to lush green grass and weeping willows. The air was thick warmth and the grass appeared soft as silk. The sweet and salty scent of gardenia hung in the air.
Sabin laid Tera gently on the ground, and brought his hands down the sides of her body. His palms lingered slowly in anticipation. “I am going to worship your body every day for the rest of our immortal lives.”
An overwhelming flood of anticipation left Tera breathless, and her body became awash with slick heat. Her body throbbed, aching for Sabin’s expert touch. But as his voice spoke again, the sexy grit to his tone was not just that of a warrior, but also a gentle, kind lover. “Tonight, Tera, you will learn that there is no oblivion, no ecstasy of pleasure of passion without the love of a soul mate.”
Sabin grabbed her boots, and unzipped them one after another until her feet were naked. He slid his hands under her jeans, and massaged her calf under the rough fabric. A moan escaped her from the sheer relaxation of the touch against her muscles. Full of sensual excitement, Tera peeled the jeans off slowly until only a small strip of red fabric remained. Sabin’s hands caressed every inch of her exposed flesh as he made his way up to her midsection. Tugging on the hem of the thin shirt, he pulled it up over her head. Thank the Gods she did not wear a bra. Reaching his hand to cradle her bosom, he twirled a nipple between his fingertips and Tera let loose an erotic whimper. His other hand massaged the inside of her thigh. Her body, which had been tight with sexual tension, began to relax under his massaging hand. He inched higher, and higher, slowly nearing her apex.
White hot heat caused dampness between Tera’s legs. But the breeze that whispered across the meadow ensured that every inch of her flesh was still sensitive, ready to experience every sensation.
Sabin removed his face from the comfortable valley of her breasts and hovered, drinking in the sight of Tera’s gorgeous face. Her eyes were slits from relaxation and pleasure, but open just enough to see the lover before her. While massaging her inner thighs, he pushed her legs farther apart, gaining access to her sweet womanhood.
The wind tickled her like a jealous lover, and she called out when she suddenly felt Sabin’s hot tongue against her center. His hands massaged while his tongue danced on her soft edges. Dragging his tongue across her bud now and then, Tera realized that she was being wickedly teased, held in an endless state of passion until Sabin decided she was ready for release.
“Now, Sabin!”
His reply rasped against her skin. “Not yet, my love. Anticipation is half the fun. I want your every moment to be near to ecstasy, but everlasting, like our love will be.”
Tera nearly came at the sweet promise. Sabin reached both of his hands up to caress her breasts and pinch her nipples seductively as he twirled his tongue around her sweet center. He kissed her most sensitive spot with reckless passion until her body jerked from pleasure and shuddered within his grasp.
Tearing his mouth away from her, Sabin’s eyes were a seductive aqua sea. “I love you, Tera.” The last tremors eased from Tera’s body, a contented smile of unmatched pleasure on her face.
Sabin rocked deeply against her core. She gasped with passion as he stretched her, filled every inch of her. She clasped Sabin’s strong shoulders and looked deep into his eyes. Swinging their bodies upright, he crouched on the ground as she straddled his lap. She eased herself up and down upon his thick shaft, nearing ecstasy once again.
The look in Sabin’s eyes as he devoured the sight of her body upon his was a sensual high. She leaned against his chest, putting enough pressure on his wide shoulders to knock him backward until his body was against the ground. “It feels so good.” Tera rocked back and forth on top of him, controlling the motion of every inch of his thickness inside of her.
“You are my Goddess, my sweet Dryad. You are my heart.” With that, he rolled them over and drove into Tera, causing them both to go mad with pleasure.
• • •
Tera awoke to a slight tugging on her hair. A warmth glowed against her cheeks and she snuggled closer to Sabin chest. Another gentle tug convinced her to open her eyes. Cracking open an eyelid, she was immediately blinded by bright light. Jerking up from where she lay on the ground, she opened her eyes once more. Suddenly, the bright, colorful lights dimmed. Faeries hovered in the air playfully, their forms becoming clearer by the moment. She rubbed her knuckles against her eyes before opening them once more.
Beautiful.
Hovering above where she and Sabin had slept were five faeries, each a different color and each smiling.
Do they know something I don’t know? She couldn’t help but smile at the sweet grins aimed at her. Then she noticed a sensation near her hairline. Reaching her fingers to investigate, she found the start of a braid.
“Did you guys do this?” Tracing her fingertips along the braid, she soon found that many had been woven in her hair. “Wow, you fae are sneaky stylists.” The glow of the faeries became immediately brighter.
Sabin’s sensual voice replied, “They glow brighter when they are happy. It’s their aura.”
“Speaking of happy.” She leaned back against Sabin once more. “I slept like a baby.”
“Me too, my love. And yet I awoke to a dream.”
Heat crept into her cheeks, so she nuzzled against his skin before he could see. “You make me feel bashful. You’re too perfect.”
He nuzzled her nose playfully before pressing a kiss against her lips. He took his time, and slipped his tongue gracefully between her lips. The soft warmth melted into her mouth.
When the kiss ended, she wriggled her way out of the mossy blanket that had grown over them while they slept. Born of the forest, Tera’s body drew the flora around her. “Hazard of being a Dryad.” She winked at Sabin.
“There are no hazards of being a Dryad, only blessings.” He eased himself out of the green blanket.
“Alright, Prince Charming. No more self-deprecation, I promise. Let’s explore.” No sooner had the words escaped her lips than Sabin grasped her hand.
The fae that still hovered danced around playfully and glowed brighter. They seemed to be excited by their presence. Tera realized that her cheeks hurt from smiling. And she had only been awake a couple minutes. Ah, the benefits of finding one’s soul mat
e.
Hand in hand, he led her out of the lush flora. Before her eyes stretched the most breathtaking, jaw-dropping view she had ever seen. Gradually, the dirt ground gave way to pure crystal landscape. The prism stretched out like ice and built upward into mountains. Rivaling the peaks she had seen in California, the crystal mountain was towering in height. She imagined it would take days to climb. Make that weeks.
Prisms of color and light danced across the ground before her. It was a spectacular image. A fuzzy warmth manifested on her shoulder and she realized she had company. Perched on her shoulder was the dainty body of a faerie. The yellow glow pulsed on her shoulder and Tera felt goodness and mirth course through her body.
“Is that you, little friend?” She whispered to the faerie, but Tera already knew the answer.
“She likes you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” She smiled up at Sabin. As the Helidor sun poked out from the clouds, dots of color graced Sabin’s cheek. The effects of the crystal continued to sway across the landscape, colorful reminders that she was out of her own world.
She pulled Sabin down for a kiss and let the heat of his lips sear her own. The warm glow on her shoulder also intensified. Had her eyes not been closed, she may have been blinded. “You know that warm, fuzzy feeling, and the overwhelming sense of joy that the faeries emit?”
“Yes, my love?”
Lingering in his crystalline, aqua colored gaze, she smiled. “You do the same thing to me.”
“Come here.” Sabin reached down and swung Tera up into his arms. She screamed as he twirled her around and left frenzied kisses on her neck. When he finally stopped and she calmed her own laughter, he simply smiled at her.
“And you for me, Dryad.”
• • •
Weeks later, Tera soaked up her continuing honeymoon with her love by her side. The sun was beginning to set and Athens was reflected in shades of orange of pink. After a week of romantic lounging on Grecian beaches, the happy couple strolled the quaint cobblestone streets hand in hand, and of course, the occasional hand on butt, in true lovers’ fashion. After a long day of museum touring, the lovebirds were eager to finish their sunset stroll back at the hotel room for lovemaking in luxury.